14-Day Ultimate Road Trip: Badlands to Zion National Park

Day 1: Arrival in Rapid City

Rapid City, South Dakota

12:00PM

Check-in at hotel

Settle in at the Holiday Inn Rapid City, your comfortable base for upcoming adventures.
Travel from the airport to the hotel (about 20 mins)
USD100, 1 hour

1:30PM

Lunch at Firehouse Brewing Co.

Indulge in a hearty American meal at this brewery known for its local beers and burgers.
A short drive from the hotel (5 mins)
USD25, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Downtown Rapid City

Stroll through the vibrant streets, checking out unique shops and art galleries.
Walk around downtown (20 mins)
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Journey Museum & Learning Center

Enjoy a meal while immersing in the history of the Black Hills.
Drive to the museum (5 mins)
USD30, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Badlands National Park

Badlands, South Dakota

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Badlands Café

Fuel up with a delicious breakfast before heading into the park.
Drive to Badlands (1 hour)
USD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Badlands Loop Road

Take a scenic drive through the park to enjoy stunning views of the rock formations.
Drive on Loop Road
USD30 (Park Entrance Fee), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Cedar Pass Lodge

Refuel at this historic lodge while enjoying local favorites.
Return to lodge from sightseeing (10 mins)
USD20, 1 hour

2:30PM

Hike the Notch Trail

Embark on a moderate hike with stunning canyon views.
Drive to trailhead (15 mins)
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit the Ben Reifel Visitor Center

Learn about the park's geology and wildlife before wrapping up your day.
Drive to visitor center (30 mins)
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Wall Drug Café

Head to Wall Drug for a classic diner experience and try their famous homemade donuts.
Drive to Wall (30 mins)
USD18, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Exploring Custer State Park

Custer, South Dakota

8:00AM

Breakfast at the State Game Lodge

Enjoy a hearty breakfast amid the stunning landscape of Custer State Park.
Drive to Custer (30 mins)
USD20, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Wildlife Loop Road

Take a scenic drive through the park, home to bison, pronghorn, and elk.
Drive on Wildlife Loop Road
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit the Buffalo Roundup

If visiting in late September, join the festivities of the Buffalo Roundup.
Near the park entrance (20 mins)
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at the Blue Bell Lodge

Refuel with a delightful meal in a charming lodge setting.
Drive to Blue Bell Lodge (20 mins)
USD25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Hike the Cathedral Spires Trail

Embark on a hike leading to breathtaking views of the spires.
Drive to trailhead (30 mins)
Free, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at the Game Lodge Restaurant

Enjoy a classic American meal at this historical lodge.
Drive back to Game Lodge (30 mins)
USD30, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Visit Mt. Rushmore

Keystone, South Dakota

8:00AM

Breakfast at Carver's Café

Start your day with a delicious breakfast overlooking the iconic monument.
Drive to Mt. Rushmore (30 mins)
USD20, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit Mt. Rushmore National Memorial

Experience the impressive granite faces of four presidents and their histories.
Walk around the monument area
USD10 (Parking Fee), 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Mt. Rushmore Café

Enjoy a meal with incredible views of the memorial.
Within the memorial area
USD25, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center

Learn about the monument's history and the sculptor behind it.
Within the Park
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Hike the Presidential Trail

Enjoy a moderate hike that offers stunning views of the monument.
Starting point of the trail
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at the Powder House Lodge Restaurant

End the day with a delicious meal in a rustic setting.
Drive to the restaurant (30 mins)
USD30, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Medora, North Dakota

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Badlands Grill

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at this cozy grill before the journey.
Drive to Medora (2 hours)
USD15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Explore diverse landscapes while searching for bison and wild horses.
Enter the park (15 mins)
USD20 (Entrance Fee), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the Rough Riders Hotel

Dine in a charming historic atmosphere while enjoying local cuisine.
Drive to the hotel (15 mins)
USD25, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Scenic Drive along the Scenic Loop

Enjoy stunning views of the park's formations, prairies, and wildlife.
Follow the scenic loop (45 mins)
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Visit the Medora Musical (Seasonal)

If timing permits, enjoy a local outdoor musical show in the evening.
Drive to the venue (10 mins)
USD30, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Camp Dakota

Enjoy a relaxed meal in a rustic setting in Medora.
Short drive from the musical venue (10 mins)
USD20, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Drive to Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton, Wyoming

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Start your day with a complimentary breakfast at your hotel.
Within hotel in Medora
Free, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Grand Teton National Park

Begin the drive through beautiful landscapes toward your next destination.
Drive to Grand Teton (5.5 hours)
Free, 5.5 hours

2:30PM

Arrival & Lunch at Signal Mountain Lodge

Check-in and enjoy lunch with views of Jackson Lake.
Drive to lodge (15 mins)
USD25, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Jenny Lake

Explore the stunning surroundings and, if time permits, take the ferry across the lake.
Drive to Jenny Lake (30 mins)
USD18 (Ferry Fee), 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Trapper Grill

Enjoy a local meal in the hotel restaurant offering a warm atmosphere.
Return to lodge (30 mins)
USD30, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton, Wyoming

8:00AM

Breakfast at Signal Mountain Lodge

Savor a delicious breakfast while overlooking the mountains.
Within the lodge
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Hike to Taggart Lake

Spend the morning hiking to Taggart Lake with magical views framing the Teton Range.
Drive to Taggart Lake Trailhead (30 mins)
Free, 2.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Mural Room

Enjoy lunch overlooking Jackson Lake with incredible scenery.
Return to lodge (30 mins)
USD25, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center

Dive deeper into the park's history and ecosystem.
Drive to visitor center (15 mins)
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Scenic drive to Moose Wilson Road

Take a leisurely drive on Moose Wilson Road while watching for wildlife.
Drive along Moose Wilson Road (1 hour)
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at The Hotel Jackson

Enjoy modern cuisine and local ingredients in a cozy setting.
Drive to The Hotel Jackson (30 mins)
USD35, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Explore Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone, Wyoming

8:00AM

Breakfast at Signal Mountain Lodge

Start your day with a filling breakfast before heading to Yellowstone.
Within lodge
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Yellowstone National Park

Proceed to one of the most famous national parks in the world.
Drive to Yellowstone (1 hour from Grand Teton)
USD35 (Park Entrance Fee), 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Old Faithful

Witness the famous geyser erupt and explore the area’s geothermal wonders.
Drive to Old Faithful (1 hour)
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Old Faithful Lodge

Dine in the historic lodge with views of the geyser.
Within Old Faithful area
USD25, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Grand Prismatic Spring

Marvel at the stunning colors of the world's third-largest hot spring.
Drive to Grand Prismatic (30 mins)
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Yellowstone Lake

Take in the beauty of the largest lake in North America at high elevation.
Drive to Yellowstone Lake (30 mins)
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Lake Yellowstone Hotel

End your day with a lovely meal overlooking Yellowstone Lake.
Drive to the hotel (10 mins)
USD30, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Further Discoveries in Yellowstone

Yellowstone, Wyoming

8:00AM

Breakfast at Lake Yellowstone Hotel

Enjoy a satisfying breakfast with views of the lake.
On site
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Lamar Valley

Explore this wildlife-rich area often referred to as the 'Serengeti of North America.'
Drive to Lamar Valley (1 hour)
Free, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Pack lunch for a picnic

Enjoy a delicious packed lunch surrounded by nature.
Prepare lunch at local deli (30 mins)
USD15, 1 hour

1:00PM

Continue exploring Yellowstone

Visit several geothermal features and beautiful vistas.
Drive around various points in Yellowstone (3 hours)
Free, 3 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Norris Geyser Basin

Explore the spectacular geysers and hot springs in this geothermal hotspot.
Drive to Norris Geyser Basin (1 hour)
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at the Old Faithful Inn

Finish your Yellowstone adventures with a delightful dinner in this iconic inn.
Drive back Old Faithful area (1 hour)
USD30, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Drive to Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon, Arizona

7:00AM

Breakfast at Old Faithful Inn

Start your early morning with breakfast before heading out.
On site
USD20, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Grand Canyon National Park

Embark on a scenic drive that takes you through vast landscapes.
Drive to the Grand Canyon (10 hours | breaks included)
Free, 10 hours

6:00PM

Arrive at Grand Canyon & Dinner at El Tovar Restaurant

Check in and dine in one of the most historic dining facilities overlooking the canyon.
On site
USD50, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Explore the Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon, Arizona

8:00AM

Breakfast at El Tovar Restaurant

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with stunning canyon views.
On site
USD30, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit the Grand Canyon Visitor Center

Learn about the canyon's geology and history and grab maps for exploration.
Walk to visitor center (10 mins)
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Hike along the Rim Trail

Enjoy breathtaking views while taking a leisurely hike along the rim.
Start of Rim Trail
Free, 2.5 hours

1:30PM

Picnic Lunch at Mather Point

Enjoy a packed lunch with impressive views of the canyon.
Find a picnic spot at Mather Point
USD15, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Grand Canyon Village

Explore shops, cafes, and historic buildings in Grand Canyon Village.
Walk around village (30 mins)
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

View Sunset at Hopi Point

Capture stunning photos of the sunset over the canyon's vast expanse.
Drive to Hopi Point (30 mins)
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at the Arizona Room

Delight in southwestern cuisine with views of the canyon.
Back to the village (30 mins)
USD35, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Drive to Zion National Park

Zion National Park, Utah

7:30AM

Breakfast at the Arizona Room

Have a hearty breakfast before starting another adventure.
On site
USD30, 1.5 hours

9:00AM

Drive to Zion National Park

Travel toward Utah for vibrant canyon landscapes.
Drive to Zion (5 hours)
Free, 5 hours

2:00PM

Arrive & Lunch at Oscar’s Café

Enjoy a delicious meal with a local touch right outside Zion.
Short drive to restaurant (10 mins)
USD25, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Zion Canyon Visitor Center

Gather information about trails and activities from the friendly staff.
Walk to visitor center (10 mins)
Free, 30 mins

4:00PM

Explore the Riverside Walk

Take a leisurely stroll along the Virgin River with magnificent canyon views.
Start of Riverside Walk trailhead (10 mins)
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at the Spotted Dog Café

Dine on delicious local cuisine in a cozy setting.
Drive to café (5 mins)
USD30, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 13: Discovering Zion National Park

Zion National Park, Utah

8:00AM

Breakfast at Zion National Park Lodge

Start the day with breakfast amidst breathtaking scenery.
Within the lodge
USD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Hike to Angels Landing

Challenge yourself on this iconic hike with exceptional views.
Drive to trailhead (30 mins)
Free, 4 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at the Park's Café

Recover with a hearty lunch after the adventure.
Return to the lodge (30 mins)
USD25, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit the Court of the Patriarchs

Discover these magnificent peaks while enjoying a short walk.
Drive to the viewpoint (10 mins)
Free, 1 hour

4:30PM

Explore the Weeping Rock Trail

Enjoy a stunning, short hike to an overhanging cliff with lush greenery.
Drive to trailhead (20 mins)
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at the Zion Pizza & Noodle Company

Wrap up the day with delicious pizzas and pasta in a casual atmosphere.
Drive to restaurant (15 mins)
USD20, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 14: Return to Las Vegas

Las Vegas, Nevada

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Zion National Park Lodge

Enjoy a final breakfast with stunning views before the departure.
Within lodge
USD20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive back to Las Vegas

Enjoy a scenic drive as you make your way back to the city.
Drive to Las Vegas (2.5 hours)
Free, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at the Heart Attack Grill

Celebrate the end of the trip with a fun meal at this over-the-top diner.
Drive to restaurant (10 mins)
USD30, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Last-minute Shopping at The Strip

Shop for souvenirs on the famous Las Vegas Strip before departure.
Walk around The Strip
Variable, 2 hours

4:30PM

Check-out and Departure

Reflect on your unforgettable journey through stunning National Parks.
Drive to airport for departure (15 mins)
Variable, 1 hour
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